Page 117 of Pinch

Dropping to her knees beside Haddy, the two of them pet the little dog, who’s frantically licking both their faces.

“The owner said Peepee was so depressed, she wouldn’t even get out of her little doggy bed,” Gigi explains. “She said she couldn’t take it anymore, and if we wanted her back, she’d be glad to send her back to where she was so happy.”

“Oh, Patsy!” Haddy hugs her, and the little dog licks all the tears off her cheeks. “I’ve missed you so much.”

Mav walks over, a purple bruise under his eye, and crosses his arms. “I gotta say, I missed little Peepee, too.”

“Dude. You got a shiner there.” I point at his face.

“Yeah, but we didn’t lose the game, did we?”

Shaking my head, I can’t argue with that. “Nope.”

It looks like we’re all where we need to be, and in another week, we’ll have the entire family here. I know what I’m going to do.

31

Haddy

“You are so adorable!” Kimmie holds my arms out, smiling as she inspects my baby bump. “How far along are you?”

“Just starting the third trimester.” I look down, smoothing my hands over my growing midsection. “Once she popped, she never stopped.”

“You’ve got your new slogan!” Gigi teases, hugging me from behind and resting her chin on my shoulder.

“We might.” I laugh, thinking about how much this baby moves in my stomach. “She’s a busy little thing.”

“What are you planning to do for delivery?” Aunt Dylan sits at the bar munching on a crispy chocolate Easter egg. “Liv had us all doing hypnobirthing. What’s the hot new thing now?”

“I’m looking into water birth.”

“Oh, my goodness, that was in an episode ofGirls, remember?” Aunt Allie calls from the couch, where she’s sitting by Gigi’s mom. “Jessa put her head in the tub andlooked between Gaby Hoffman’s legs, and they ended up running down the street with her to the hospital?”

Aunt Allie falls forward laughing, and my mom’s eyes go two sizes wide. My shoulders tense as I wait for her to freak out, but Aunt Rachel swoops in for the save.

“It’s actually not a new method at all,” she says calmly. “And it’s so much easier on your body. The warm water is relaxing, and you can move around to find the most comfortable position.”

“That’s what the instructor said.” I hang my hand on Gigi’s forearm around my neck. “We’re just checking it out at the moment. The birthing center at New Beginnings has private rooms with special tubs. It’s all really nice. Very upscale.”

“I’m sure if your doctor recommended it, it’ll be fine.” Mom’s voice is tentative, and I can tell she’s trying, which I appreciate.

“Anyway, Haddy’s a scientist,” Aunt Dylan adds. “Don’t freak out, Raven.”

I fight against a laugh when my mom makes a defensive face and exclaims, “I wasn’t freaking out.”

“I’ve seen that look before,” Aunt Dylan waves a finger, walking over to give her a hug. “You were freaking out a little.”

“Nobody will be running down the street with me,” I reassure her. “Dr. Barry will be on site the whole time.”

“Of course they won’t.” Gigi’s mom narrows her eyes at Aunt Allie, which only makes her snort more.

“It was a funny part of the show,” she says defensively.

“Well, I think water birth sounds very cool,” Aunt Dylan hops off her stool and walks over to give me a hug. “And I can’t wait to have another baby girl. They’re so fun with all their little dresses and bows…”

“Speaking of dresses, we’ve got to get ready for the game.” Gigi releases me, jogging to the kitchen table where a large bag is sitting.

Spanky bounds after her, but Patsy is curled up on the couch with the aunts. I walk over to help my cousin distribute the jerseys.